Levels of Early Writing for Toddlers in Pre-Nursery

Introduction 

Introducing writing to toddlers in pre-nursery is an exciting developmental milestone. Early writing isn’t just about forming letters and numbers but also about helping toddlers develop fine motor skills, understand basic shapes, and express their thoughts through symbols. Let’s explore the different levels of early writing that toddlers in pre-nursery go through, and how parents and teachers can support them along the way.

1. Scribbling Stage

At the earliest level, toddlers begin their writing journey by experimenting with scribbling. This may seem like random lines or squiggles, but it’s their way of practicing control over their hands and fingers. Scribbling is the foundation of early writing because it helps children learn how to hold a pencil and create marks on paper.

How to Encourage This Stage:

• Provide crayons, markers, or chunky pencils that are easy for little hands to grasp.
• Offer a variety of surfaces for scribbling, such as paper, chalkboards, or even sand.
• Praise their scribbles to boost confidence and creativity.

2. Random Letter-Like Shapes

As toddlers grow and develop more control, they start to create shapes that resemble letters, though they may not yet understand what each letter means. These early attempts show that toddlers are recognizing that writing is a form of communication, even though their marks don’t yet follow the conventional alphabet.

How to Encourage This Stage:

• Play letter games where you point out and name letters in the environment (on books, signs, etc.).
• Use large alphabet mats or cards to help them visually connect their scribbles with actual letters.
• Encourage them to "write" letters when drawing, even if it’s just random marks.

3. Mock Letters

At this stage, toddlers begin to form letters that more closely resemble real letters, though they may still be reversed or incomplete. They start to understand that writing has structure and that specific shapes (letters) have meaning. Toddlers may even attempt to write their names or favorite letters repeatedly.

How to Encourage This Stage:

• Provide alphabet tracing worksheets that toddlers can use to practice letter formation.
• Incorporate playdough or tactile letter games to make learning hands-on and engaging.
• Let them see you writing—whether it’s a grocery list or a note—so they can imitate your actions.

4. Invented Spelling

In the later stages of early writing, toddlers may begin to use a combination of letters and symbols to "write" words. This is known as invented spelling. They may write “B” for “Ball” or use a string of letters to represent a sentence. This stage reflects their growing awareness that written symbols correspond to spoken language.

How to Encourage This Stage:

• Help them write simple words, like their name, by saying the word aloud and letting them attempt to write the first letter.
• Engage in sound and letter games that reinforce the relationship between sounds and written letters.
• Offer plenty of praise for their efforts to communicate through writing, even if the words aren’t yet perfect.

5. Understanding Writing as Communication

By the time toddlers reach the end of the pre-nursery period, many will begin to understand that writing is a tool for communication. They may attempt to write short notes, label drawings, or form simple words with help from adults. This stage sets the foundation for more structured writing activities in later nursery years.

How to Encourage This Stage:

• Ask your child to "write" a story or label their artwork.
• Provide alphabet stamps, stencils, or magnetic letters to help them experiment with letter formation and word creation.
• Read books and encourage them to "write" what they see or hear in the story.

Conclusion

Early writing for toddlers in pre-nursery is a gradual process, starting with scribbles and advancing to letter formation and recognition. Each stage plays a critical role in developing fine motor skills, literacy, and communication abilities. Parents and teachers can support these budding writers by providing engaging materials, plenty of practice opportunities, and positive reinforcement. With encouragement, toddlers will not only enjoy the process but also build the confidence to become little writers in the making!